The company said like-for-like sales were down 5.7% in the UK and Europe in the 17 weeks to 22 November.

However, a focus on selling at full price meant the retailer managed a "strong reduction in losses before tax". French Connection also said that thanks to underlying operating expense savings and the reduction of costs due to closure of stores, the losses in the retail division were marginally reduced.

Group wholesale sales increased in the period by 9%, and the company said the order book for spring 2015 is strong.

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French Connection chairman and chief executive Stephen Marks said: “As widely reported trading in UK retail has been tough and while we still have the all-important Christmas period to come, I am pleased to report that the overall performance of the group continued to be positive, particularly in UK wholesale and global licensing with continued tight cost control and we expect the results for the full year to be in line with market expectations."

On Tuesday, Arcadia boss Sir Philip Green said the warmer weather had made conditions tougher for his Topshop and BHS chains, following similar warnings from Next and Supergroup.